DREFF joins the Dominican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in raising awareness for ocean conservation

As part of GFDD’s Year-Round Environmental Film Screenings program, the DR Environmental Film Festival in collaboration with the Dominican Vice Ministry of Coastal Marine Resources celebrated a screening of the documentary film Planet Ocean on December 6th at Ministry headquarters in Santo Domingo.

The purpose of the screening is to raise awareness and encourage dialogue with
Ministry officials on the topic of ocean conservation.

Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind. They flow over nearly three-quarters of our planet, and hold 97% of the planet’s water. They produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere,
and absorb the most carbon from it. As Planet Ocean points out, given that about half of the world’s population lives within the coastal zone, and ocean-based businesses contribute more than $500 billion to the world’s economy, the importance of ocean conservation should therefore not be understated. For this reason, we must become encourage better stewardship of our oceans.

About Planet Ocean
Planet Ocean is a brilliant 90-minute documentary filmed by directors Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot and their team, in partnership with OMEGA and the scientific support of Tara Expeditions, which captures the extraordinary images of our remarkable oceans – the source of all life on our planet. Presented at Earth Summit 2012 in Rio de Janeiro (RIO+20), Brazil in June, Planet Ocean is a collaborative film that aims to explain some of the planet’s greatest natural mysteries. It highlights how essential it is that mankind learns to live in harmony with our oceans.

View Trailer

Become An Agent of Change!

• Every single person on the planet can contribute to the safekeeping of our oceans by following these suggestions:
• Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by reducing your carbon footprint and leaving the car at home when you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work.
• When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited fish species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and
  sustainable.
• Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.
• Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and
  appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.

About GFDD Year-Round Environmental Screenings
As part of its mission to reach more communities, institutions and individuals around the country, the DR Environmental Film Festival organizes year-round film
screenings that bring interesting and important films to new and remote communities. By showing a diverse selection of quality movies on critical environmental issues and organizing discussions and workshops, the year-round film screenings program seeks to foster and inspire dialogue, raise awareness and promote sustainable practices.

Join us and take part in our commitment to protect the environment!

For more information on how to organize a screening,
please visit us at: www.dominicanscreenings.org